BREAST LIFT SURGERY

ANAESTHETIC – GENERAL

STAY IN HOSPITAL – 1 DAY AND 1 NIGHT

RECUPERATION – 10 DAYS

The aging process coupled with weight loss, alternating weight loss and gain, pregnancy and breast-feeding can individually or collectively result in your breasts becoming less firm and changing shape over the years. If however the general size of your breasts is still to your liking Breast Lift surgery can do wonders to not only restore their firmness but also come close to restoring them to their original position.

For more volume a breast implant may be inserted at the same time. See Breast Augmentation for more information in this regard. Or for volume reduction, see Breast Reduction, which can also be conducted during the same procedure.

Prior to undergoing Lift surgery your surgeon will discuss all the options you have opened to you. From describing the method that will be employed in a straight forward Breast Lift procedure to the size and placement of implants best suited to you if you choose to increase the volume of your breasts at the same time. And what a Breast Lift coupled with a Breast Reduction would entail.

The final decision however on which procedure would be best suited to you will be based to a large extent on your personal aspirations and desires for the outcome of the procedure.

Another aspect of your pre-operative discussion with your surgeon will be with regard to what you personally can do pre-operatively to assist in the process, how you can expect to feel at various stages post-operatively and just how long it will take after the procedure for you to make a full recovery.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON FOR MY PROCEDURE?

Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures they naturally have individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise.

Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.

HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?

When you complete the Medical History section of the General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital photograph (in colour) of the area of your body requiring surgery.

Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular requirements along with your medical history and digital photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation free teleconference between the two of you.

At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession of all the facts relating to your particular case but also be in a position to recommend the exact method to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your surgeon will also be available at this point to answer any questions you may have as regards your surgery and the outcome.

You will be encouraged at all times prior to your surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by asking as many questions as you like.

On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon. Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome will be discussed along with any other questions you may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead with the procedure your decision will be respected.

CAN I BREAST FEED AFTER BREAST LIFT SURGERY?

Most women are unable to breast-feed after Breast Lift Surgery ­ there are of course exceptions to every rule and you may be one of them. However it should also be borne in mind that some women are unable to breast feed regardless of whether they have undergone breast surgery or not. So be sure to thoroughly discuss your particular needs and concerns in this regard with your surgeon prior to surgery.

WHAT KIND OF IMPLANTS COULD BE USED TO INCREASE THE VOLUME OF MY BREASTS?

There are two kinds of implants available. Both consist of a soft outer shell, of either a smooth or textured appearance, filled with either silicone or a saline (salt water) solution.

Surgeons vary in their personal choice of implant but generally speaking tend to favour the silicone variety because of their more natural feel. There was a time when Silicone implants received bad press but based on current belief, and the fact that breast augmentations using silicone implants have been performed on millions of women since the early 1960’s, with only a tiny percentage proving problematic, there is no conclusive evidence of silicone implants being detrimental to health.

The final choice however will be arrived at in consultation with your surgeon.

SHOULD I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO SURGERY?

If you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking prior to surgery in order to prevent unnecessary complications.

Arnica tablets, Vitamin E in large doses, analgesics like Aspirin, and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should also not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote bleeding during the process.

Your surgeon however will give you personal advice in this regard.

IF I DECIDE ON HAVING IMPLANTS HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH BREAST SIZE TO GO FOR?

Taking your personal desires, height, weight and age into account, your surgeon, based on his or her vast experience in this matter, will recommend the perfect implant size for you.

Due to a slight swelling of the breasts, as a result of the procedure, your exact post-operative breast size will only be known some weeks after surgery. Thereafter they will be subject to change depending on normal weight gain or loss - as per prior the surgery.

HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?

Usually an incision is made around the areolas and another along the crease of the breast. These two incisions are then joined by a vertical incision from the areola to just under the breast. Once these incisions have been made the skin around the breast is tightened and the incisions closed. Dissolving stitches will be employed in the procedure and you will be required to wear a surgical bra for a post-operative period.

Following the completion of the procedure and depending on your particular circumstances small tubes could be inserted to act as drains to prevent unwanted fluids accumulating.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE?

If you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking some weeks before surgery to assist in the healing process and to help prevent any unnecessary complications during surgery.

You should also avoid the intake of vitamin E in large doses, Arnica tablets, analgesics containing aspirin, and many of the anti-inflammatory drugs some weeks prior to surgery to avoid excessive bleeding during the procedure.

Your surgeon will however provide you with a more detailed list of do’s and don’ts prior to surgery.

CAN BREAST LIFT SURGERY CAUSE CANCER?

There is no evidence to suggest that breast lift surgery increases your chances of developing breast cancer.

HOW CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Generally speaking recovery is a relatively quick process. You will be somewhat tender to start with but after a few days be able to move around with relative ease. In order to prevent any complications such as unwanted bleeding you will only be permitted gentle movements. Indeed any unnecessary pressure on your breasts or strenuous movements like bending or stretching could be detrimental to your progress. You will be encouraged to be very gentle on yourself at this time.

Your stitches will be fully absorbable and the swelling and bruising should take between 2 to 4 weeks to settle down.

HOW SOON BEFORE MY LIFE’S BACK TO NORMAL?

As in the case of most surgical procedures you will be encouraged to take it easy after breast lift surgery. However after a few weeks you will generally speaking be getting on with life as normal. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until you feel 100%. It is also not advisable to engage in any sexual activity too soon after the procedure. Your surgeon will advise you about this and at the same time stress the need to treat your breasts with great care for a good 6 to 8 weeks following surgery.

RISKS

As with everything else in life there are also risks involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that you are in a position to make an informed decision.